Exports of U.S. ethanol increased to 133 million gallons (mg) in March, the second-largest volume in a year and up 31% from February’s dip, according to the latest summary from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Exports to China spiked from 4.7 mg to 48.3 mg for the country’s second-largest monthly imports of American ethanol on record (and narrowly missing the April 2016 high). Similarly, shipments to Canada accelerated by 85% to a four-month high of 34.2 mg, and India’s imports were up 13% over February to 16.8 mg. These three countries received three-fourths of all ethanol shipped in March. Other substantial markets include South Korea (7.1 mg, -67%), Brazil (5.3 mg, -32%), the Philippines (4.6 mg, -5%), and Peru (4.5 mg, +3%). Total U.S. ethanol exports for the first three months of the year totaled 399.3 mg, or 18% less than last year at this time.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) were up 13% in March to 882,553 metric tons (mt). Shipments to Mexico rebuilt following a sizeable slump in February to 174,928 mt, 20% of total U.S. exports in March and a 42% increase over the prior month. Shipments to Vietnam nearly doubled to a seven-month high of 130,985 mt.